Look Around

Anthony Rapp | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 1, 2000)
• Original Release Date: October 1, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Pai Gow
• ASIN: B000056B9O
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #237,875 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Yale Daily News

...a blend of personal insight, folk rock and alternative. The tunes are reminiscent of RENT's energy-packed numbers.

Product Description

Anthony's cd of original "alterna-pop" songs has been called reminiscent of REM, Elvis Costello, and the B52's.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Expressive Representation of Broadway Singer, April 28, 2004

By 

Joesph Biggs (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Look Around (Audio CD)

It's hard not to love Anthony Rapp. He sings so honestly. It's like looking into his soul. His voice is so expressive. Any fan of modern Broadway, particularly of expressive emotional musicals such as RENT and performers like ADAM PASCAL and RIKKI LEE TRAVOLTA should buy this CD.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How could you not love Anthony?, February 19, 2001

By 

Cristin (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Look Around (Audio CD)

This is the cd that has lived in my car for the past few weeks, a definite must have for any RENT fan or anyone who loves honest, innovative music.

"Living Alive" is wonderful. It seems like many Broadway stars feel the need to include a song on their solo albums about changing the world or learning to love yourself, and they usually come off as pretentious and/or naive. This song, however, has a great message that really seems to come honestly from Ant's heart and experience.

"Look Around" is sweet and quiet, a pleasant listen. "Then Again" is fun and upbeat. "Human Tornado" is hysterical, and I always seem to picture Daphne Rubin-Vega dancing around to it. "Always" is beautiful and haunting; I always play this song when I'm driving and it's dark out.

"Just Some Guy" is also sweet, but I have one little problem with it. In my head I'm picturing Ant and whoever he's singing about having a quiet moment together when these back-up singers suddenly pop up in the middle of their bedroom. Always disconcerts me. :)

"Goodbye" is one of my favorites. It's so empowering. :) I play this one when I'm driving at night and need to stay awake. :) "Room to Breathe" is gorgeous and touching, another one of my favorites. "Lesson #1" is so sad that it's almost tangible. "Visits to You" is my current number one favorite at the moment (it changes from time to time). It's beautiful and powerful and you can tell that it's coming straight from experience. "Damn Spot" is just hysterical. "Now I Know" is also beautiful.

What makes this cd so great is the variety of the music on it but most especially Anthony himself. He's such an honest and expressive singer; you can tell what he's feeling as he sings. And hey, THERE'S A VIDEO ON THE CD! I'm probably the only moron who owned the cd for weeks before discovering it. :)

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anthony rocks my world, December 19, 2000

By 

"brier" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Look Around (Audio CD)

Anthony Rapp's soulful voice drives home his wonderful songs on his debut album--although one can hardly call it a debut album, after he's done so many musicals! There's not a bad song on this album, although some shine more than others. He shines on the slower songs, like the haunting "Room To Breathe" (one of my three favorites on the album), and the beautifully orchestrated "Always"... "Lesson #1" is also a pleasant listen.

Ant's voice doesn't quite fit on all of the rock songs--I adore "Living Alive", but the mix is a bit off (or maybe it's just me), and at some points it's hard to hear his voice. "Human Tornado" is a different, quaint listen; however, by the end of the song, you're ready for it to be over. The song was well executed and definitely witty, but the end drags a bit.

However, the truly great songs: "Goodbye"--a tune with a really powerful message--is utterly fantastic. My repeat button is wearing out from listening to it. It's as close as Ant gets to pure rock, and the song truly glistens. My alltime favorite, though, is "Out Out Damn Spot"--so incredibly INVENTIVE! An upbeat ballad about...well, good Lord, just listen to it. It has showtune aspects and so much humor and his voice just soars with it. :)

Not to mention "Just Some Guy"--an incredibly sweet, jazzy little ballad--"Visits to You"--a tearjerker that you can tell was written from personal experience--and "Look Around", the cute little title track that's about the same as "Human Tornado"--both are highly listenable, but they get tiring after awhile.

All in all, this album is FANTASTIC. A must-buy if you're branching out from musical theatre, or you enjoy "alternapop" with excellent lyrics and musicianship.

I adored Ant's voice in RENT, and this album just makes me feel fantastic about his future in the music business!